Unit 6: Functions

Unit 6 formalizes what is a function, linear functions, and function language as well as introducing non-linear functions.  Linear functions is a chance to reengage around graphing linear equations from the previous unit, Unit 5 (indicated in purple).  Non-linear functions act as a contrast to linear & expose students to the three types of growth they will examine in Algebra 1: linear, quadratic & exponential.  Whether comparing  the same or different functions or comparing the same or different forms of a single type of function and any combination thereof, comparison is the chief goal of the unit besides understanding, identifying and classifying functions.  Frayer models would be useful for both activities, comparing forms and classifying functions, as well as other activities involving visual patterns.  Depth can be achieved by embedding the defining & evaluation of functions and extending the understanding of linear and nonlinear functions to include interpreting the qualitative features of a graph, both text to graph and graph to text.  Here linear portions of a graph with a constant rate of change can be compared to nonlinear portions like discussing different types of acceleration/deceleration.